Need money to further your education in child development or early childhood education? Apply for a Gateways Scholarship!
Do you want extra money for completing college coursework and staying employed at the same place? Great START does just that! Get more information about how you can participate!
Are you considering applying for a Gateways Credential? Gateways Credentials are symbols of professional achievement that validate knowledge, skills and experience. They are an individual achievement that you can be proud of.
Gateways Credentials are awarded and recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Bureau of Child Care and Development. They are required for some Circles of Quality in ExceleRate Illinois and can be used to help with employment decisions in early learning programs.
Below are the Credentials offered by Gateways. You can click each Credential title to see information about applying, specific requirements, and the forms you will need.
An entry level credential for those just entering the field
For ECE professionals who have education beyond high school and experience with children birth to age 8
For child care professionals working with children from birth to age 3
For administrators of ECE and School-Age Programs
For professionals working with children and youth ages 5-18
For professionals who offer relationship-based professional development
For a professional working in their home as a family child care provider for children ages birth through 12 years
For professionals who provide direct services to children and families, such as Parent Educators, Family Advocates and Case Workers
Search for colleges and universities in your area that offer courses in child development and child care related topics
For colleges and universities interested in becoming entitled for one or more Gateways Credentials
If you would like to explore your career options, a PDA can help. With extensive experience, a PDA is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about early care and education or school-age care opportunities, including working in public schools.
A Professional Development Advisor (PDA) is an experienced professional who will assist you with planning and achieving your career goals. A PDA can guide you through developing a Professional Development Plan and share information about colleges and universities in your area that offer coursework in early childhood. A PDA can also help you decide which certification could be best for you, or help you navigate various Gateways to Opportunity Programs.
Both Individual Advisement and Center Advisement are available. During Individual Advisement, a PDA will work with a participant one-on-one. Center Advisement requires that the owner or director of an early care and education program submits a request so that a PDA can work with multiple employees at the same site.
To request advisement, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/requestPDA, or call (866) 697-8278.
It also provides standards, guidelines, resources and supports to help you make sensible changes that lead to better quality outcomes for children.
